Regional Security Specialist (Senior Staff Security Specialist)

At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.

Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.

Regional Security Specialist (Senior Staff Security Specialist)

This is a hybrid role based out of our Cambridge, UK office

This job advert will close on July 21st, 2025

Illumina's employee benefits are industry-leading and include flexible time off, private medical insurance, compassion and care time off, leisure travel insurance, pension, employee stock purchasing program, volunteer time off, and much more!

Position Summary

Outstanding opportunity for a security professional with substantial security management experience. This role works within Global Security Operations supporting multi-site locations with emphasis across both the EMEA and Americas Region.  The Security Specialist position is based out of our Cambridge UK Illumina Centre.

The successful candidate will have strong project management skills, with a proven track record of handling multiple security initiatives simultaneously, from planning through execution.  They will actively assess risks and how to mitigate potential threats while also managing day-to-day contract security staff across various sites.  Security support may also extend to planning and executing large-scale events.

The Regional Security Specialist supports physical security operations across EMEA and the Americas by enhancing processes, managing contract security staff, and aligning operational standards. This role collaborates with global leaders across HR, Legal, Facilities, and more to execute security plans, develop policies, and support the implementation and maintenance of security systems. The Specialist also helps plan future system upgrades, ensures compliance, and contributes to the overall growth and maturity of Illumina’s global security programs.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and enhance physical security protective strategies and access control measures across Illumina’s regional footprint.
• Manage all outsourced guard services, to include developing and ensuring adherence to key performance indicators (KPI) to track and measure the effectiveness and efficiency of the services.
• Support the global physical security audit program to measure compliance and adherence to global physical security standards, policies and procedures.
• Identify, develop, implement, and maintain Company security processes and asset protection standards across all business units to reduce risks, respond to incidents and limit exposure to liability in all areas
• Provide expertise, direction and support on all matters relating to physical security operations. 
• Implement Global Physical Security policies, procedures, guidelines, standards, and best practices and adherence to these measures. 
• Interface with other business areas and sectors to accomplish cooperative goals, representing Global Security in multidisciplinary initiatives.
• Ensure alignment with security operations on campuses: visitor & vendor (contractor) management & reception / front of house operations, developing best practice.
• Design and maintain training programs on physical security and access control, and other related topics.
• Manage ongoing analysis of security exposures, evaluate program effectiveness, and develop benchmarking standards and metrics to measure the effectiveness of Physical Security functions.
• Foster effective communication and coordination with the Illumina Global Security team. 
• Build excellent networks with stakeholders internally and suppliers externally to support the delivery of the program. Customer and supplier relationships are critical to success in this role.

Qualifications:

• Typically requires extensive related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or considerable related experience and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with some related experience; or equivalent experience.
• Considerable years working in the security services industry or military/law enforcement experience leading similar security services initiatives
• Either a formal qualification in Security Management or relevant practical experience from a recognized organization and or governmental body or department
• Knowledge of industry-based security software systems (access control, CCTV for example)
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex security protocols and concepts to non-expert audiences across all levels of the organization.
• Proficient understanding of physical security technologies, risk management frameworks, and compliance with relevant safety regulations and standards.
• A proactive, hands-on approach, capable of responding swiftly and effectively in high-pressure situations.
• Security Certifications are highly preferred (CPP, etc.)
• Ability to be responsive (on-call) and work flexible or extended hours when a compelling demand and/or security emergency dictates
• Ability to travel occasional to conduct site visits and assessments (up to 5-10% of time)

What can you expect?

Our team members are bright, energetic, and dedicated - they are the driving force behind our innovation and impact. To attract the best and brightest, we offer a competitive employee benefits program. We view it as a smart investment in our people, one that recognizes the tremendous value they bring to our business every day. At Illumina, we push boundaries. We think beyond the conventional. We dream big. With the energy of so many bright and accomplished people, the opportunities are endless.

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We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritized openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information. Illumina conducts background checks on applicants for whom a conditional offer of employment has been made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Background check results may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. The background check process and any decisions made as a result shall be made in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact accommodations@illumina.com. To learn more, visit: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.